Moroccan B’stilla (Chicken Pie) Recipe

Moroccan B’stilla is a traditional savory-sweet pastry that blends the rich flavors of spiced chicken, almonds, and cinnamon, all wrapped in a delicate, flaky pastry. This dish is often served during special occasions like weddings and celebrations, but it’s also perfect for impressing guests at any dinner party. If you love bold flavors, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Pastry:

• 10 sheets of phyllo dough (thick, but not too stiff)
• Butter, melted, for brushing

For the Garnish:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Ground cinnamon, for dusting
• Toasted almonds, slivered (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken Filling

Start by preparing the chicken filling. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, saffron, and cumin to the onions, and cook for another 2 minutes to release the flavors.

Add the whole chicken to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Pour enough water to cover the chicken (about 4 cups), and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool. While the chicken cools, cook down the remaining liquid in the pot until it thickens and becomes more concentrated (about 15 minutes). Pro tip: Skim off excess fat to avoid a greasy filling.

Shred the cooled chicken, discarding the bones and skin, and return the meat to the pot. Add the cilantro, parsley, lemon juice, and toasted almonds (if using). Stir everything together and set aside to cool completely.

2. Assemble the B’stilla

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Next, carefully lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a large baking sheet or shallow round pan. Brush it lightly with melted butter, then layer another sheet on top, repeating until you have about 5 layers of dough.

Place the cooled chicken mixture in the center of the dough, and form a round mound. Carefully fold the edges of the phyllo dough over the chicken, creating a pouch. Brush the top with more melted butter, then layer 2 more sheets of phyllo dough over the top of the pie. Tuck in the edges and brush the top with butter.

3. Bake

Place the pie in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden and crispy. The pastry should be beautifully puffed and crunchy.

Pro tip: Watch the pie carefully towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking.

4. Garnish and Serve

Once the B’stilla is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, generously dust the top with powdered sugar and a light sprinkling of ground cinnamon. If you like, add some toasted almonds for extra texture and flavor.

Serve the Moroccan B’stilla warm, and enjoy the delicious balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic spices. It’s perfect as a starter, a main course, or even a showstopper at a festive gathering!

Pro Tips for Perfect B’stilla

• Crispier Pastry: Ensure each layer of phyllo dough is generously brushed with butter. This will create a crisp, golden crust.
• Saffron Substitute: If saffron is too expensive or hard to find, you can substitute with a pinch of turmeric for color and a mild, earthy flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and assemble the B’stilla a day in advance. Just bake it on the day you plan to serve it for that freshly baked aroma.

Enjoy your Moroccan B’stilla—a dish that captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine, combining layers of rich flavor and flaky pastry in one irresistible bite!